20 Best Sides for Shrimp Tacos

Are you a shrimp taco lover looking to elevate your taco game? Look no further! In this post, I've curated a list of the 20 best sides for shrimp tacos that will take your taco night to the next level. From creamy avocado salsa to tangy pickled red onions, these sides will complement the delicate flavors of shrimp while adding texture and depth to your tacos. 

Plus, they're super healthy, which is always a bonus. Shrimp is packed with protein and omega-3s, so you can chow down on these tacos guilt-free. And the best part? You can top them with whatever you want! 

My favorite shrimp taco recipe is this one for Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa. I like to serve them with crunchy red cabbage, creamy avocado, briny Cotija cheese (or queso fresco), fresh cilantro and, of course, fresh mango salsa. I drizzle them with some spicy mayo and it's truly one of the best taco recipes ever! 

What goes well with shrimp tacos

When it comes to picking the perfect sides to serve alongside shrimp tacos, the options are endless. Classic choices like creamy guacamole or zesty pico de gallo are always crowd-pleasers. But, if you're looking to switch things up, consider adding some crunchy shredded cabbage or slaw to your tacos.

Check out this amazing list of 20 sides that work great on top of the tacos, such as salsas, slaws, and sauces, as well as standalone options, like salads, rice, and beans. The beauty of the taco bar is that you get to pick and choose what you like to create your ultimate taco experience. 

Get ready to elevate your taco game and let your taste buds run wild with these incredible side options!

1. Fresh Mango Salsa

Fresh Mango Salsa

This easy Mango Salsa (Mango Pico de Gallo) is like summer in a bowl! This amazingly delisious fresh salsa is tangy, sweet and spicy at the same time. Made with juicy mangoes, sweet red pepper, spicy jalapeño and lime juice. A perfect addition to any Mexican inspired dish!

Fresh mango salsa

2. Easy Homemade Salsa

This fresh Homemade Salsa tastes exactly like the kind they serve at a restaurant. In no more than 5 minutes, some juicy, ripe tomatoes are blended with veggies and spices you know and love that make a perfect salsa. 

Easy Homemade Salsa

3. Easy Authentic Guacamole

Super easy and delicious guacamole recipe that's deliciously smooth and creamy. Made with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, green onions, tomato and jalapenos.

Easy Authentic Guacamole

4. Mexican Pickled Onions

Want to make mexican pickled onions at home? It's incredibly simple, with just a few pantry staples and they last for ages in the fridge. Follow along for an easy spicy pickled onions recipe (with no refined sugar!). 

Mexican Pickled Onions

5. Mango Jicama Slaw

This mango jicama slaw is really quick and easy to make. It doesn't have many ingredients, but the fantastic fresh flavors are so tasty. Try it on top of tacos or as a side salad.

Mango Jicama Slaw

6. Homemade Refried Beans

Making your own refried beans is a great way to save money and ensure that the ingredients are healthy. These refried beans are easy to make and the taste is better than anything from a can.

Homemade Refried Beans

7. Pinto Beans and Rice

In this Mexican style Pinto Beans and Rice recipe, pinto beans cook slowly in the oven then finish to creamy perfection on the stove. Serve them with bright Pico de Gallo, aromatic rice, and an extra squirt of lime. This recipe is easy to double and freezes well.

Pinto Beans and Rice

8. Grilled Mexican Corn (Elote)

After your corn is grilled, slather it with a zesty, creamy mixture of plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, cilantro, ancho, garlic, lime, and of course, cotija and more cilantro. It's a bit more work, but so tasty, and definitely worth the effort!

Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

9. Mexican Chopped Salad

Mexican chopped salad is a refreshing easy salad that is filled with beautiful fresh produce and tossed in a homemade cilantro lime dressing. This salad has so much flavor, it will be your new favorite salad.

Mexican Chopped Salad

10. Cilantro Lime Rice

Learn how to make chipotle’s cilantro lime rice rice right in your rice cooker and make your own burrito bowl at home! It's the perfect side dish to any of your dinner dishes, with plenty of herbs and fresh lime juice.

Cilantro Lime Rice

11. Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw

Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw is a simple kind of salad or side dish that can be served up with most anything else. It works as well as a side dish during the holiday season as it does for a summer picnic and it's especially great with shrimp tacos.

Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw

12. Blackened Corn

This 15-minute side dish is savory, satisfying, and full of flavor! Blackened Corn is made in a cast iron skillet using frozen corn, a homemade seasoning blend, and optional toppings like fresh cilantro and cojita cheese!

Blackened Corn

13. Chili Lime Sweet Potatoes

Chili Lime Roasted Sweet Potato Slices are easy, delicious, and nutritious. A hint of smoky spice balances the natural sweetness of the baked sweet potatoes, and a squeeze of lime adds some zing. 

Chili Lime Sweet Potatoes

14. Black Bean Pineapple Salsa

This Black Bean Pineapple Salsa is fresh, colorful, and has an amazing flavor. It is sweet and savory, crunchy and fresh, easy to make, and above all - healthy for you and your family!

Black Bean Pineapple Salsa

15. Cashew Cilantro Sauce

This creamy vegan Cashew Cilantro Sauce is a great for tacos or a flavorful appetizer dip! It's made with garlic, jalapeno, and lime juice. It makes for a tasty all-purpose topping for tacos or any Mexican inspired meals. It's also perfect as a dip served with chips or fresh veggies.

Cashew Cilantro Sauce

16. Spanish Rice

This gluten free Spanish rice recipe brings authentic flavors to your table in only minutes. It's a hearty but flavorful side dish that can be served with any meal. Made with simple ingredients and only one pot it's an easy healthy side everyone will enjoy.

Spanish Rice

17. Grilled Corn Salad

Fun, bright, and vibrant, this easy to make grilled corn salad is a perfect side to make this summer! Made with fresh grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, avocado and red onion.

Grilled Corn Salad

18. Poblano Cream Sauce

Get ready to spice up your dinner game with this creamy and flavorful poblano cream sauce. Made in just minutes, it’s delicious to keep on hand for tacos, nachos, burritos, or as a dip for chips! Made with roasted poblano peppers.

Poblano Cream Sauce

19. Vegan Bean Salad

This vegan bean salad is my biggest summer hit. It's filled with fresh veggies, plant-based protein, and creamy avocado for a vegan twist on cowboy caviar. Perfect with chips, veggies or on its own!

Vegan Bean Salad

20. Homemade Pico de Gallo

This quick and easy Pico de Gallo recipe is so delicious! It adds so much flavor to so many dishes like fish and grilled chicken as a topping or right by itself on a chip. It only requires six ingredients including tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno,cilantro, lime and salt!

Homemade Pico de Gallo